Disclaimer: Read the first couple chapters if you need a disclaimer.
A/N: Sorry it took so long. With work and classes, it took awhile to have time to write it up. I hope you all like it.
Chapter 8: The Benefit ~*~Early Friday Night~*~
Kagome sat in front of her vanity and stared at her reflection. Her hair was down and had a clip keeping her hair out of her face on the left side. It was a silver clip with a butterfly decorated in rhinestones. Her make-up was done lightly and she wore a very light pink lipstick, just enough to tint her lips the color. Her neck and shoulders were bare because her light pink dress was off the shoulders. The dress was a very simple A-line dress that Sesshomaru had bought for her, with her help in choosing it, of course. On her feet, even though she couldn't see them in the mirror were silver sandals with an inch and a half heel.
But, even though she should be happy and excited to go to the benefit, she couldn't help the wave of fear from striking. She was afraid to run into Tohma, Mika, and Eiri's father. They never liked her while she was engaged to Eiri, but she was sure they disliked her even more now.
Just then she heard a gentle knock on the door. She sighed and called for the person to come in, knowing it was Sesshomaru. "Ready to go?" Sesshomaru asked as he came into the room, but once he stepped in, he could smell fear and sadness. He had noticed, the past couple of days, she had seemed to be distracted and somewhat scared of something or someone. Before she could answer he pulled out a necklace box. He walked over and handed it to her.
"What's this?" She asked as she turned to look at him.
"Open it," He told her. She did and saw a beautiful silver necklace with a silver heart pendant with three diamonds in it.
"It's beautiful..." Kagome gasped as he took the necklace from the box and draped it around next, fastening it in the back. "Sesshomaru...I-I can't accept this..."
"Yes you can. This is my way of apologizing for the hell I put you through during Sengoku Jidai. Please accept this," He said gently. Kagome smiled and stood up to hug him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up at him.
"Thank you. I accept. It is truly beautiful..." she whispered into his sensitive ears. She pulled away and was about to grab her purse when Sesshomaru stopped her.
"You smile, yet I know you are sad and even scared. Is it because of me?" Sesshomaru asked as he locked his gaze with hers.
Kagome looked away and walked to the window. "No, it's not you," Kagome said softly. "Do you remember when I got that phone call on Wednesday during lunch?"
Sesshomaru nodded and waited for her to continued. "The call was from Eiri. He asked me to attend this benefit as well because his father and brother-in-law were forcing him to go. They wanted him to meet someone new, but he asked me. I told him I couldn't go because I was going with you and I guess he told Mika that if he didn't get to go with the person he wanted to he wouldn't go at all," Kagome explained.
"I don't understand why you're scared then," Sesshomaru said with confusion written all over his face.
"Eiri's father, Tohma, and Mika never approved of me. In fact, they strongly disliked me because I was not from a wealthy family and six years younger than him. They're going to be there tonight and I'm afraid to run into them," Kagome explained further. "They're going to hate me even more now because I broke off the engagement. However, I know I can't prevent this. I have to face them."
Sesshomaru walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into his embrace. "Kagome, you won't have to do this alone. I will be there with you for support. I will always be around to support you, understand?" Sesshomaru whispered into her ear.
Kagome nodded. He's turned into a completely different person... I can't help myself becoming attracted to him... Could it be that I'm slowly falling for the one formerly known as the ice prince? God help me...
Sesshomaru felt her relax in his arms and closed his eyes, taking in her sweet scent. Kagome...how is it that you melted the ice around my heart and made your way into it...taking it over... Just then Sesshomaru heard someone knocking at the front door and released her. "The limo driver is here...we should get going," He informed her. Kagome nodded and grabbed her purse and followed Sesshomaru out the door.
Sesshomaru stepped out of the limo and turned around to take Kagome by the hand. Kagome took his hand and stepped out of the car. They walked up the stairs and into the ballroom, where there were tables lining the dance floor. "Why don't we get our drinks before we sit down?" Sesshomaru suggested. Kagome nodded and walked towards the bar with him, her hand resting on his arm gently.
"Mr. Takamada, what can I get you and your beautiful guest?" The bartender asked.
"White Wine for me. Kagome, what do you want?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Martini, if you can," Kagome told the bartender.
The bartender nodded and got them their drinks. Kagome took hers and Sesshomaru his and they made their way to a table. Sesshomaru pulled out Kagome's chair and she sat down, watching as he took his seat next to her. "Kagome," He said catching her attention. "We don't have to stay here. Just long enough to make a good impression."
"It's fine, Sesshomaru. There's no rush," Kagome told him s she sipped her martini.
Sesshomaru nodded. "Why is Eiri's family going to be here anyway?" He asked curiously. It had been bothering him for a while now and he just had to ask. For the past couple of hours, he had been trying to remember any Uesugi's, but the only one he knew of was Eiri and he went by Yuki Eiri.
"His brother-in-law is Tohma Seguchi of NG Productions and a member of the Nittle Graspers. He contributes a great deal of money and does some stuff to benefit the fund," Kagome explained. "You know...concerts...autograph sessions...etc..."
"Oh," Sesshomaru said and went back to his drink.
"Kagome?" They heard someone ask Kagome looked over her shoulder and Sesshomaru looked up from his drink to see a black-haired version of Eiri. Sesshomaru growled low in his throat, but suddenly saw Kagome stand up and hug him.
"Tatsuha...hey..." Kagome greeted. "What are you doing here?"
"Eiri called me and asked me to keep an eye on you since father, Tohma, and Mika are here," Tatsuha explained. "I hope that's alright."
"That's fine, Tatsuha. Take a seat. This is my boss and friend, Sesshomaru Takamada. Sesshomaru, this is Eiri's younger brother, Tatsuha Uesugi," Kagome introduced.
"It's nice to meet you sir," Tatsuha greeted as he shook his hand. Sesshomaru nodded and they all sat down. "I appreciate you letting Kagome stay in your apartment. Kagome and I have been best friends since high school and I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her."
Sesshomaru nodded and returned his attention to his drink while keeping an EAR on Kagome's conversation.
"Kagome," Tatsuha said getting her attention. "I want to apologize for my brother's stupidity. He never should have doubted you."
"Thank you, Tatsuha, but it's not your fault," Kagome said before sipping her drink.
"I know you love him, Kagome and I love the fact that you and my brother were in a serious relationship, but I have to say... There's something about your relationship with him that doesn't click," Tatsuha said gaining both Kagome and Sesshomaru's (even though nobody knew) attention. Kagome set down her drink.
"What do you mean, Tatsuha?" Kagome asked curiously.
"In my opinion, Eiri is still scared to open up to you and I know that you hate that. He has secrets that only my family knows, Kagome; that's one reason they are so protective of him. I want you two together, but as much as I want to see the two of you together, I know it won't last. You deserve better, Kagome," Tatsuha told her.
"Tatsuha...I know, and that's another reason I called it off. That night...I realized exactly what you just said. I'm giving him a month just for that reason...to see if he'll open up," Kagome told him.
Tatsuha smiled and heard a beautiful song start. "Do you mind if we dance?" Tatsuha asked like a gentleman. Kagome smiled and shook her head.
"I believe I owe the first dance to the one who invited me," Kagome said turning to Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru let a small smile grace his lips and walked over to her. Tatsuha smiled when he saw the look in their eyes, swearing to himself that it was love and watched as the silver0haired young man led his best friend to the dance floor. Now they click...
Kagome's hand rested on his shoulder and the other was in his. His other arm was around her waist, holding her gently. Sesshomaru looked down at her and smiled. I'm with the most beautiful creature of all... Kagome saw him smiling down at her and smiled back.
"I've never seen you smile so much, Sesshomaru. I like it when you do," Kagome told him. "You must be happy with your life."
More than you know, Kagome... "I have more reasons to smile now," he told her. Silence over took them and Kagome concentrated on dancing, afraid she would step on his feet. "Kagome, you look beautiful tonight. I'm glad you came with me tonight."
"Well thank you for inviting me," She said with a bright smile on her face. Just then, she saw two familiar faces staring at her from one of the tables. Sesshomaru caught sight of Tatsuha walking towards them. He stopped the couple and pulled them apart. "We should go to the lobby at least," he whispered. Kagome agreed and followed him with Sesshomaru right behind them.
When they got to the lobby, three people were already there waiting; one was Tohma; the woman was Eiri and Tatsuha's sister, Mika; and the other, Kagome assumed, was their father, but she didn't know because Eiri didn't get along with him, so she never met him.
"Tatsuha, what are you doing here?" The older man asked angrily.
"Protecting my best friend from you three, father. I took Eiri's invitation," He stated.
"You take the side of your brother, who doesn't know what to think?" Mr. Uesugi asked testily.
"No, I take Kagome's," Tatsuha corrected.
"It's good to see you back in action so quickly, Kagome," Mika spat at her. "I knew you were always a little bitch."
Sesshomaru growled angrily, but Kagome tried to calm him down by resting her hand on his forearm. "You can make up lies, Mika, but they will continue to be lies. Can't you see? You're not only destroying my life but Eiri's as well. The three of you keep him on a short leash, but all you care about is money. You don't approve of his job, or if he's happy, but you care that he marries for love, because it doesn't involve money," Kagome said softly. "Leave him alone. Let him go be who he wants to be."
"You know nothing, you little bitch," Mika spat. "Obviously you're doing a little gold digging yourself. How much do you pay her anyway?"
"Don't you dare talk about her like that," Sesshomaru growled.
"Tatsuha, get over here now," His father ordered. "We'll talk about your actions when we get home."
"No, father! Kagome is my best friend and if it means standing up to you, I will protect her. Kagome is the sweetest person in the world. I will not allow you to call her names or harm her. And for your information, it isn't Eiri that deserves better, but Kagome!" Tatsuha shouted, and ebfore he could catch it, he saw a fist connect with his cheek. Tatsuha flew back and landed on the ground. Kagome gasped and knelt down next to him, tears rolling down her cheeks. She couldn't believe it...Uesugi just hit his son.
"STOP IT!" Kagome cried. "HE'S YOUR SON!!"
"Not anymore," Uesugi said before turning away and returning to the benefit with his daughter and son-in-law.
Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru as the tears streamed down her cheeks. "Let's take him home. He'll have a black eye, but that's it," Sesshomaru told her and picked up Tatsuha. Kagome nodded and followed him out silently.
The limo pulled up and Kagome stepped in first. Sesshomaru settled Tatsuha down next to her so that his head was in her lap and then took the seat across from her. Tatsuha was unconscious and Kagome held an ice bag over his swollen face. She couldn't help but cry over how she felt. To her, Tatsuha got hurt and denounced because of her...it was all her fault. "Sesshomaru..." She finally said once they were halfway home. Sesshomaru was staring at her with concern and saw her meet his gaze. "Thank you for not interfering, I...I know you were struggling to keep your demon side under control. So...thank you. I don't want to you to get involved as well."
"Your welcome," He replied. However, I am already involved because I am in love with you...Kagome... "We'll be home shortly."
Kagome nodded and went back to staring at her best friend.
A/N: Sorry it took so long. With work and classes, it took awhile to have time to write it up. I hope you all like it.
Chapter 8: The Benefit ~*~Early Friday Night~*~
Kagome sat in front of her vanity and stared at her reflection. Her hair was down and had a clip keeping her hair out of her face on the left side. It was a silver clip with a butterfly decorated in rhinestones. Her make-up was done lightly and she wore a very light pink lipstick, just enough to tint her lips the color. Her neck and shoulders were bare because her light pink dress was off the shoulders. The dress was a very simple A-line dress that Sesshomaru had bought for her, with her help in choosing it, of course. On her feet, even though she couldn't see them in the mirror were silver sandals with an inch and a half heel.
But, even though she should be happy and excited to go to the benefit, she couldn't help the wave of fear from striking. She was afraid to run into Tohma, Mika, and Eiri's father. They never liked her while she was engaged to Eiri, but she was sure they disliked her even more now.
Just then she heard a gentle knock on the door. She sighed and called for the person to come in, knowing it was Sesshomaru. "Ready to go?" Sesshomaru asked as he came into the room, but once he stepped in, he could smell fear and sadness. He had noticed, the past couple of days, she had seemed to be distracted and somewhat scared of something or someone. Before she could answer he pulled out a necklace box. He walked over and handed it to her.
"What's this?" She asked as she turned to look at him.
"Open it," He told her. She did and saw a beautiful silver necklace with a silver heart pendant with three diamonds in it.
"It's beautiful..." Kagome gasped as he took the necklace from the box and draped it around next, fastening it in the back. "Sesshomaru...I-I can't accept this..."
"Yes you can. This is my way of apologizing for the hell I put you through during Sengoku Jidai. Please accept this," He said gently. Kagome smiled and stood up to hug him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up at him.
"Thank you. I accept. It is truly beautiful..." she whispered into his sensitive ears. She pulled away and was about to grab her purse when Sesshomaru stopped her.
"You smile, yet I know you are sad and even scared. Is it because of me?" Sesshomaru asked as he locked his gaze with hers.
Kagome looked away and walked to the window. "No, it's not you," Kagome said softly. "Do you remember when I got that phone call on Wednesday during lunch?"
Sesshomaru nodded and waited for her to continued. "The call was from Eiri. He asked me to attend this benefit as well because his father and brother-in-law were forcing him to go. They wanted him to meet someone new, but he asked me. I told him I couldn't go because I was going with you and I guess he told Mika that if he didn't get to go with the person he wanted to he wouldn't go at all," Kagome explained.
"I don't understand why you're scared then," Sesshomaru said with confusion written all over his face.
"Eiri's father, Tohma, and Mika never approved of me. In fact, they strongly disliked me because I was not from a wealthy family and six years younger than him. They're going to be there tonight and I'm afraid to run into them," Kagome explained further. "They're going to hate me even more now because I broke off the engagement. However, I know I can't prevent this. I have to face them."
Sesshomaru walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into his embrace. "Kagome, you won't have to do this alone. I will be there with you for support. I will always be around to support you, understand?" Sesshomaru whispered into her ear.
Kagome nodded. He's turned into a completely different person... I can't help myself becoming attracted to him... Could it be that I'm slowly falling for the one formerly known as the ice prince? God help me...
Sesshomaru felt her relax in his arms and closed his eyes, taking in her sweet scent. Kagome...how is it that you melted the ice around my heart and made your way into it...taking it over... Just then Sesshomaru heard someone knocking at the front door and released her. "The limo driver is here...we should get going," He informed her. Kagome nodded and grabbed her purse and followed Sesshomaru out the door.
Sesshomaru stepped out of the limo and turned around to take Kagome by the hand. Kagome took his hand and stepped out of the car. They walked up the stairs and into the ballroom, where there were tables lining the dance floor. "Why don't we get our drinks before we sit down?" Sesshomaru suggested. Kagome nodded and walked towards the bar with him, her hand resting on his arm gently.
"Mr. Takamada, what can I get you and your beautiful guest?" The bartender asked.
"White Wine for me. Kagome, what do you want?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Martini, if you can," Kagome told the bartender.
The bartender nodded and got them their drinks. Kagome took hers and Sesshomaru his and they made their way to a table. Sesshomaru pulled out Kagome's chair and she sat down, watching as he took his seat next to her. "Kagome," He said catching her attention. "We don't have to stay here. Just long enough to make a good impression."
"It's fine, Sesshomaru. There's no rush," Kagome told him s she sipped her martini.
Sesshomaru nodded. "Why is Eiri's family going to be here anyway?" He asked curiously. It had been bothering him for a while now and he just had to ask. For the past couple of hours, he had been trying to remember any Uesugi's, but the only one he knew of was Eiri and he went by Yuki Eiri.
"His brother-in-law is Tohma Seguchi of NG Productions and a member of the Nittle Graspers. He contributes a great deal of money and does some stuff to benefit the fund," Kagome explained. "You know...concerts...autograph sessions...etc..."
"Oh," Sesshomaru said and went back to his drink.
"Kagome?" They heard someone ask Kagome looked over her shoulder and Sesshomaru looked up from his drink to see a black-haired version of Eiri. Sesshomaru growled low in his throat, but suddenly saw Kagome stand up and hug him.
"Tatsuha...hey..." Kagome greeted. "What are you doing here?"
"Eiri called me and asked me to keep an eye on you since father, Tohma, and Mika are here," Tatsuha explained. "I hope that's alright."
"That's fine, Tatsuha. Take a seat. This is my boss and friend, Sesshomaru Takamada. Sesshomaru, this is Eiri's younger brother, Tatsuha Uesugi," Kagome introduced.
"It's nice to meet you sir," Tatsuha greeted as he shook his hand. Sesshomaru nodded and they all sat down. "I appreciate you letting Kagome stay in your apartment. Kagome and I have been best friends since high school and I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her."
Sesshomaru nodded and returned his attention to his drink while keeping an EAR on Kagome's conversation.
"Kagome," Tatsuha said getting her attention. "I want to apologize for my brother's stupidity. He never should have doubted you."
"Thank you, Tatsuha, but it's not your fault," Kagome said before sipping her drink.
"I know you love him, Kagome and I love the fact that you and my brother were in a serious relationship, but I have to say... There's something about your relationship with him that doesn't click," Tatsuha said gaining both Kagome and Sesshomaru's (even though nobody knew) attention. Kagome set down her drink.
"What do you mean, Tatsuha?" Kagome asked curiously.
"In my opinion, Eiri is still scared to open up to you and I know that you hate that. He has secrets that only my family knows, Kagome; that's one reason they are so protective of him. I want you two together, but as much as I want to see the two of you together, I know it won't last. You deserve better, Kagome," Tatsuha told her.
"Tatsuha...I know, and that's another reason I called it off. That night...I realized exactly what you just said. I'm giving him a month just for that reason...to see if he'll open up," Kagome told him.
Tatsuha smiled and heard a beautiful song start. "Do you mind if we dance?" Tatsuha asked like a gentleman. Kagome smiled and shook her head.
"I believe I owe the first dance to the one who invited me," Kagome said turning to Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru let a small smile grace his lips and walked over to her. Tatsuha smiled when he saw the look in their eyes, swearing to himself that it was love and watched as the silver0haired young man led his best friend to the dance floor. Now they click...
Kagome's hand rested on his shoulder and the other was in his. His other arm was around her waist, holding her gently. Sesshomaru looked down at her and smiled. I'm with the most beautiful creature of all... Kagome saw him smiling down at her and smiled back.
"I've never seen you smile so much, Sesshomaru. I like it when you do," Kagome told him. "You must be happy with your life."
More than you know, Kagome... "I have more reasons to smile now," he told her. Silence over took them and Kagome concentrated on dancing, afraid she would step on his feet. "Kagome, you look beautiful tonight. I'm glad you came with me tonight."
"Well thank you for inviting me," She said with a bright smile on her face. Just then, she saw two familiar faces staring at her from one of the tables. Sesshomaru caught sight of Tatsuha walking towards them. He stopped the couple and pulled them apart. "We should go to the lobby at least," he whispered. Kagome agreed and followed him with Sesshomaru right behind them.
When they got to the lobby, three people were already there waiting; one was Tohma; the woman was Eiri and Tatsuha's sister, Mika; and the other, Kagome assumed, was their father, but she didn't know because Eiri didn't get along with him, so she never met him.
"Tatsuha, what are you doing here?" The older man asked angrily.
"Protecting my best friend from you three, father. I took Eiri's invitation," He stated.
"You take the side of your brother, who doesn't know what to think?" Mr. Uesugi asked testily.
"No, I take Kagome's," Tatsuha corrected.
"It's good to see you back in action so quickly, Kagome," Mika spat at her. "I knew you were always a little bitch."
Sesshomaru growled angrily, but Kagome tried to calm him down by resting her hand on his forearm. "You can make up lies, Mika, but they will continue to be lies. Can't you see? You're not only destroying my life but Eiri's as well. The three of you keep him on a short leash, but all you care about is money. You don't approve of his job, or if he's happy, but you care that he marries for love, because it doesn't involve money," Kagome said softly. "Leave him alone. Let him go be who he wants to be."
"You know nothing, you little bitch," Mika spat. "Obviously you're doing a little gold digging yourself. How much do you pay her anyway?"
"Don't you dare talk about her like that," Sesshomaru growled.
"Tatsuha, get over here now," His father ordered. "We'll talk about your actions when we get home."
"No, father! Kagome is my best friend and if it means standing up to you, I will protect her. Kagome is the sweetest person in the world. I will not allow you to call her names or harm her. And for your information, it isn't Eiri that deserves better, but Kagome!" Tatsuha shouted, and ebfore he could catch it, he saw a fist connect with his cheek. Tatsuha flew back and landed on the ground. Kagome gasped and knelt down next to him, tears rolling down her cheeks. She couldn't believe it...Uesugi just hit his son.
"STOP IT!" Kagome cried. "HE'S YOUR SON!!"
"Not anymore," Uesugi said before turning away and returning to the benefit with his daughter and son-in-law.
Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru as the tears streamed down her cheeks. "Let's take him home. He'll have a black eye, but that's it," Sesshomaru told her and picked up Tatsuha. Kagome nodded and followed him out silently.
The limo pulled up and Kagome stepped in first. Sesshomaru settled Tatsuha down next to her so that his head was in her lap and then took the seat across from her. Tatsuha was unconscious and Kagome held an ice bag over his swollen face. She couldn't help but cry over how she felt. To her, Tatsuha got hurt and denounced because of her...it was all her fault. "Sesshomaru..." She finally said once they were halfway home. Sesshomaru was staring at her with concern and saw her meet his gaze. "Thank you for not interfering, I...I know you were struggling to keep your demon side under control. So...thank you. I don't want to you to get involved as well."
"Your welcome," He replied. However, I am already involved because I am in love with you...Kagome... "We'll be home shortly."
Kagome nodded and went back to staring at her best friend.